At $18,680/yr net price, Western Washington University graduates earn $62,569/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $28,569/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,680 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $74,720 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $62,569/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$28,569/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 65.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,416/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,741/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,177/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,581/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,698/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $81,333 | $18,583 |
| Mathematics. | Master | $78,343 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $76,460 | $9,369 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $63,005 | $26,611 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $60,920 | $38,104 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $60,325 | |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $21,667 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $51,482 | $27,499 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $50,465 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $49,572 | $20,567 |
The Risk Factor
65.5% of students at Western Washington University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 35% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Western Washington University delivers solid financial returns for a public university, with graduates earning $62,569 ten years after graduation while keeping debt manageable at $18,500. The combination of reasonable net costs and strong regional job placement makes this a financially sensible choice for most students.
Computer science and mathematics majors see the strongest returns, with computer science graduates earning over $81,000 annually. Nursing also provides excellent value with $76,460 earnings and remarkably low debt of just $9,369. Business administration offers respectable returns at $63,005, though debt loads run higher at $26,611. Communication disorders presents a concerning picture with $60,920 earnings but debt of $38,104, creating a challenging debt-to-income ratio.
Your biggest financial risk at Western Washington is the 65% graduation rate. One-third of students leave without a degree, making debt without credentials a real possibility. The 80% retention rate suggests many who struggle do so early, giving you time to adjust course if needed.
This school works best financially if you can commit to finishing your degree and choose a program with strong earning potential. The low percentage receiving financial aid means you may qualify for merit scholarships that other students miss. STEM majors and nursing students will find particularly strong returns given the Pacific Northwest job market.
Avoid Western Washington if you are uncertain about your major or commitment to graduation. The combination of moderate costs and strong regional employers makes this a smart choice for focused students, but the graduation rate shows it punishes those who drift academically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Western Washington University worth the cost?
Western Washington University offers decent value with a net price of $18,680 and 10-year earnings of $62,569. The relatively low debt burden of $18,500 makes it financially manageable for most graduates.
What are the highest paying majors at Western Washington University?
Computer science leads with $81,333 in 10-year earnings, followed by mathematics at $78,343 and nursing at $76,460. These programs significantly outperform the school's average earnings of $62,569.
How much debt do Western Washington University graduates have?
The median debt is $18,500, which is relatively low compared to many four-year universities. This manageable debt load helps improve the overall return on investment.
What is the graduation rate at Western Washington University?
Western Washington University has a 65.5% graduation rate, which is below the national average for four-year universities. This means about one-third of students don't finish their degree, increasing the risk of debt without a diploma.